Frequently Asked Questions

The fax and secure website options should integrate easily with existing work processes. If your records are already electronic, you will be able to upload files directly instead of printing. If your records are on paper, you can use the website by scanning, instead of photocopying your records or you can fax your records.

The letter with the barcode is important because it helps us link the records or information you send to the applicant's unique disability folder and make any appropriate payment to you. If you do not include the letter with the barcode as the first page, there may be significant delays associating the information with the applicant's electronic disability folder and making payment to you.

When using the secure website, you'll receive an immediate tracking information page which you can print or store electronically for your records. When sending by fax, your fax machine should indicate a successful transmission including the number of pages that were sent.

Social Security complies with all laws and regulations regarding release of medical and school records. Form SSA-827, "Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration," which accompanies every request for health and school records from Social Security, contains language that specifically permits electronic processing.

Yes, both the online and fax options comply with the goals of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). If used in conjunction with a properly designed and implemented HIPAA plan, these options can add significant value to safeguarding the security of your patient data.

You can submit evidence directly to your client's case file by using your office fax or through the Social Security secure Electronic Records Express website. Both of these methods require that you use the specific barcode provided for your client by the state Disability Determination Services (DDS) or the Social Security hearing office that is handling your client's disability claim. For example, if your client's case is at the hearing level, you would contact that hearing office to obtain a barcode for your client.

Most common Internet browsers will support the secure website. If you experience issues or difficulties, call the Social Security Electronic Records Express Help Desk at 1-866-691-3061 or send them an email at electronic-records-express@ssa.gov for assistance.

The website uses 128-bit or higher secure socket layer (SSL) encryption to protect records submissions to and from Social Security and the Disability Determination Services. Your account is protected by your confidential user ID and password combination.

An individual must first register to use it. Once registered, you will receive a user ID, a temporary password and the URL for the secure website. The first time you enter the secure website you will need to change your password.

No. Once you receive the request letter, simply fax the letter with the records or information requested to the fax number that appears on the letter. The request letter must be the first page of your fax because it has a barcode that will help us associate the information with the applicant's unique disability folder and make any appropriate payment to you.

Yes. However, the first page for each document you are sending must be the barcode provided to you by the Social Security office or State Disability Determination Services (DDS) that is handling the disability claim. For example, if you are submitting documents for Dr. Jones and Dr. Henry, the first page of Dr. Jones' records must be the barcode and the first page of Dr. Henry's records must be the barcode. You may need a scanner to scan the barcode into your computer.

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External Link Disclaimer

You are exiting the Social Security Administration's website.

SSA cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by such websites. If we provide a link to such a website, this does not constitute an endorsement by SSA or any of its employees of the information or products presented on the non-SSA website.

Also, such websites are not within our control and may not follow the same privacy, security or accessibility policies. Once you visit such a website you are subject to the policies of that site.